SPAY/NEUTER RESOURCES
WHY SPAY/NEUTER YOUR PET?
POPULATION CONTROL
As cute as kittens are, there are too many of them. Because of this, millions of cats are euthanized each year. Cat's can get pregnant as early as 4 months old. Their gestation period is only about 9 weeks. In our warm client, cats can continue having litters year round. If your cat goes outside they could be contributing to this endless cycle.
KEEP THEM AROUND
When male or female cats go into heat they have an intense desire to escape the house and find a mate. They often scratch at doors and windows attempting to roam and run away. This can lead to your cat getting lost or hurt. Even an indoor cat that slips out for a night can get into trouble.
UNDESIRABLEÂ BEHAVIORS
Unaltered male cats are often territorial and aggressive, fighting with other free-roaming cats as well as outdoor pet cats. Intact males also develop overprotective tail glands in addition to their pungent urine odor. Both males and females display behaviors including excessive vocalization (yowling) and urine spraying (marking).
MEDICAL BENEFITS
Spaying helps prevent breast and uterine tumors in female cats. These types of tumors in cats are cancerous 90% of the time. Neutering helps prevent testicular cancer and prostate problems in male cats. The younger you spay or neuter your cat, the greater protection he or she has against reproductive cancers.
THEY LIVE LONGER
Studies have shown that spayed female cats live 39% longer than non-spayed females, and neutered male cats live 62% longer than those who aren't. The reduced lifespan of unaltered pets can be attributed in part to an increased urge to roam (exposing them to fights with other animals resulting in injuries and infections), to trauma from vehicles or other accidents, and to the added medical benefits.
IT SAVES YOU MONEY
Caring for a pet with reproductive system cancers or other problems can easily cost thousands of dollars. Unaltered cats, particularly males, are much more likely to develop injuries and contract diseases, resulting in added veterinary costs. With the availability of low cost spay/neuter clinics, this simple procedure can save you money in the long run.
LOW COST SPAY/NEUTER OPTIONS
FERAL CAT COALITION (FCC)
7125 El Cajon Blvd, Unit 1
San Diego, CA 92115
FCC provides spay/neuter services for both owned cats and community cats. For reservations call their Spay/Neuter Reservation Hotline: (855) FCC-CATS or fill out an appointment request on their website.
SAN DIEGO AFFORDABLE SPAY/NEUTER CLINIC
2860 University Avenue 855 E. Valley Parkway
San Diego, CA 92104 Escondido, CA 92025
(760) 532-9335
With locations in Escondido and North Park, this clinic offers low cost spay/neuter surgeries, microchipping, vaccinations, and more. No previous exam necessary. Same day pickup/drop-off.
SPAY NEUTER ACTION CLINIC (SNAP)
9474 Kearny Villa Rd, Unit 211
San Diego, CA 92126
(866) 772-9287
SNAP offers low cost surgeries to those eligible. Visit their website to see if you qualify.
SAN DIEGO HUMANE SOCIETY
(619)Â 299-7012
SDHS offers reduced cost spay/neuter services for pet cats by appointment. Their website also lists vets that offer low cost surgeries if you tell them you found their info on the SDHS website.
ANICIRA VETERINARY CENTER
Anicira offers reduced cost spay/neuter surgeries as well as many other veterinary services and procedures including dentals, mass removals, etc. Call or visit their website to make an appointment.